Lisbon is a historic city full of beautiful architecture and rich culture. That’s to say nothing of the food or the generally pleasant weather you’ll encounter here. No wonder Lisbon is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most-visited capital cities.
There’s plenty to do here, from sampling the rich history of the country at its famous monuments to enjoying a soulful fado show in the Alfama district. In fact, Lisbon offers so much to do that it is tempting to be on the go the whole time, rushing from one attraction to the next as you try to fit it all in.
However, that’s not exactly a recipe for a relaxing holiday. Sometimes, you just need to take a moment to relax and unwind. And finding a place to do that in nature is a great way to recharge yourself for more exploration of this fascinating city.
Drop off your unneeded bags at a luggage storage facility in Lisbon and make your way to some of these beautiful parks. Ideal places to get some exercise and enjoy the sunny weather, the parks of Lisbon will help you unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the city. Plus, they make fabulous places for picnics or just a place to escape the sometimes chaotic vibe of Portugal’s capital.
Jardim da Estrela
Located close to the Principe Real district, this small but beautiful park is a perfect place to unwind while you explore the center of the city. Although it is popular with locals, it’s not that well-known to tourists, so it’s usually easy to find some space to spread out on the grass and enjoy the sunshine.
The park also offers plenty of historic interest. Just outside, you’ll find the Basilica da Estrela, an 18th-century church that houses the tomb of Queen Maria I. The park also borders Lisbon’s English Cemetery, an Anglican place of burial famous for the grave of novelist Henry Fielding.
Check out the duck pond, which is a relaxing place to spend some time watching local wildlife. There’s also a café by the side of the pond that gives a pleasant view of the water. With a variety of both native and exotic plants to see, this is a lovely place to spend some time while remaining close to the heart of the city.
Parque Eduardo VII
The largest park in central Lisbon, Eduardo VII is named after British King Edward VII, who visited the city on a state visit in 1903. This park is known for the mosaic walkways that run throughout the area, making this a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some pleasant scenery.
The park also features the estufas, a hothouse and greenhouse that are home to an incredible variety of exotic, tropical, and desert plants. That makes this a great park to visit for anyone who’s interested in botany or gardening.
Several events are held in the park, including outdoor concerts and other performances in the summer. The beautiful park is also the venue of the Lisbon book fair, so it’s the perfect place to do a little shopping if you happen to be in the city at the right time of year.
Jardim do Torel
In a hilly and beautiful city like Lisbon, you’ll never be far away from a beautiful view. That’s just one of the things this park offers, along with encounters with beautiful plant life.
Jardim do Torel is also something of a hidden gem, tucked away from the heavily touristed parts of the Portuguese capital. Ride the Lavra funicular up the hill to reach this garden, which is divided into two different areas. The lower terrace has a café that looks out over the city, while the upper terrace is shaded by trees and makes a wonderful place to stretch out in the shade and admire the spectacular view.
Gulbenkian Gardens
This is one of Lisbon’s Natural Oases. The Gulbenkian Gardens were only created in 1969, but this 7.5-hectare park has quickly become one of the most popular in the city.
That’s partly because of the artistic attractions you’ll find here. The park contains the Gulbenkian Museum, one of the world’s most important private art collections, along with a modern art center that makes this a hotspot for Lisbon’s art community.
However, it’s also a wonderful place to enjoy nature thanks to the artful landscaping you’ll encounter here. In keeping with the artistic importance of the area, the gardens are full of sculptures and other modern artworks that make it a fascinating place to visit. There are also two lakes that make great homes for local wildlife and an open-air amphitheater that hosts musical and theater performances in the summer months.
Parque Florestal de Monsanto
Lisbon’s Natural Oases has everything you need to recharge your batteries in nature. Full of great hiking trails and divided into several zones like the Ecological Park, the Parque do Alvito, and the campground, this park offers a way to feel like you’ve escaped the wilderness without traveling far from the city.
Covering 50 hectares, the park is mostly forested, so it’s ideal for getting some shade from the sun. Parque do Alvito, on the other hand, is an adventure playground that is perfect for families traveling with children, and it’s completely free to visit. There’s also the Fronteira Palace, the duck pond, and lots more to explore in this popular and beautiful place.
Lisbon parks
As impressive as this list is, it really only scratches the surface of all the natural areas there are to explore in the Portuguese capital. Leave your bags behind at a convenient luggage storage and take a moment to visit one or more of these beautiful parks. As you do, you’ll be enjoying the city the way the locals do and getting a glimpse of Portugal’s natural side.
Apart from this, if you want to know about Algarve golf holiday sale details then please visit our travel category